Garment hanger



L. A. YOUNG GARMENT HANGER Nov. 17, 1936.

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 14, 1934 Y INVENTOR. wow/"0 i fax/fig ATTORNEY$ Nov. 17, 1936.

L. A. YOUNG 2,061,266

GARMENT HANGER File une 14, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

' Zea/70rd i. raw/2a ATTORNEYS NOV. 17, 1936. N 2,061,266

GARMENT HANGER Filed June 14, 1954 3' Sheets-Sheet 5 3 INVENTR' 7 Lea/20rd /7 m1? l g fiwwz 6%? ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 17, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE v 2,061,266 GARMENT HANGER Leonard A. Young, Detroit, Mich.

Application June 14, 1934, Serial No. 730,611

13 Claims.

not only simple in construction, but which is economical to manufacture and effective for the purpose intended.

Third, to provide a garment hanger assembly which is capable of several adaptations.

Objects relating to details and economies of my invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims.

- Structures which are preferred embodiments of my invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a view in front elevation of a garm'ent hanger embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the hanger partially formed, the assembly of the yoke and suspension hook being completed.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a shield for one of the arms of the yoke.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the strut or cross bar.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view partially broken away and shown in section to illustrate the connection between the strut and the yoke arm.

Fig. .6 is an enlarged transverse section of the yoke on a line corresponding to line 6-6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view partially in section and partially in elevation showing the connection between the suspension hook and the yoke, the dotted lines showing an intermediate position of .the hook.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the sheet metal blank used in forming the yoke after cutting, but before bending the same.

Fig. 9 is a view mainly in longitudinal section and partially in side .elevation of a modification.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse section on a line corresponding to line Ill-40 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modification of the arm shield.

' Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section on line I2'l2 of Fig. 13, illustrating a modification of the connection between the strut and yoke arm.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary bottom plan view, the sleeve being omitted for clearness,

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of a strip of sheet metal from which I cut the yoke blanks.

Fig. 15 is a view in frontelevation of a par- I tially formed garment hanger embodying a modification of the connection between the suspension hook and yoke.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the first step of assembling the suspensionhook with the yoke of the modification.

Fig. 1'? is a similar view showing the suspension hook swung to close its terminal loop, an operation or step which, although desirable, if inadvertently omitted will not affect the normal selflocking feature of the hook: when swung to its upright position.

Fig. 18 is a similar view showing the suspension hook swung to its normal position with the parts in linking relation.

. Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 16, of a further modification showing the yoke provided with a transverse central loop in its web.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 8, inclusive, of the drawings, I is a suspension hook, 2 is an arched yoke, and 3 is a strut or cross bar. I form the arched yoke 2 by suitably cutting and conforming the sheet metal blank 4 to provide a downwardly facing channel section having a pair of spaced central openings 5, 5 in its web and a pair of cut-out inwardly extending opposed V-shaped or tapered tongues 6, 6 in its web spaced from the outer ends of the downwardly divergent arms I, 1 thereof.

- For conventional commercial garment hangers,

it is necessary that the yoke be sixteen inches from end to end, which necessarily requires a blank sixteen inches long. Sheet metal is readily obtainable in strips having a maximum width of eleven inches, strips above eleven inches costing considerably more per pound than the standard eleven-inch stock. In order to use this less expensive standard stock, I cut the latter on the bias, as illustrated by Fig. 14, the bias being such that the blanks cut therefrom are sixteen inches long when finished.

In Fig. 14, 22 is a strip of sheet metal eleven inches wide, which is cut on the bias as at 23 to provide the blanks 4 for forming the yokes. The dotted lines 24 indicate subsequent cuts of the strip. This cutting of the blanks results in sharp I cut the strip 22 on the bias to obtain a blank of the proper length without loss, the strip having a width less than such length. This is done by .running the strip through the machine in the the same pressing operation, nevertheless I also contemplate cutting the blank, as shown in Fig. 8, in one operation and then conforming theblank in another operation. I also prefer to use sheet metal for the blank, although any desirable semirigid material may he used. The suspension hook I is preferably formed of wire, as shown, and has a shank 8 provided with a terminal loop 9 at its lower end engaging the yoke in the openings 5. This provides a very secure connection between these parts. i

The hook is first formed with the terminal loop 9 open, so that the same can be threaded through the openings by manipulating the parts. The loop is thereupon closed by swinging the shank 8 to the position shown by the dotted lines of Fig. 7. After closingor locking the terminal loop 9 in this manner, the suspension hook is restored to its upright position.v Thus, I provide a simple -manual-method of assembling the suspensionhook and arched yoke.

When my. suspension hook is put in place manually in this manner, it is simultaneously and permanently locked. The suspension hook may be said to be self-locking, and this is an essential feature of the present invention. I anticipate shipping the suspension hooks loose with the hangers, so that the cleaners may assemble them, because the hangers when assembledbefore ship- I ment require a carton about double the size of that required when they are shipped unassembled.

With my self-locking hook, the cleaner can readily assemble the yokes and suspension hooks. -As

pointed out above. such assembly requires no machinery. At the present, however, I prefer to assemble the hangers before shipment, although,

' as pointed out above, I contemplate shipping the 2? by a lateral entering motion.

- hook is then swung to close the terminal loop,

hangers unassembled, thereby considerably reduclng the size of the shipping carton.

In. the modification illustrated by Figs. 15 to 18, inclusive, the terminal loop 28 of the suspension hook i is arranged in linking relation with the central loop 21 upstruck from the web of the yoke 2. The hook and yoke are assembled by positioning the parts, as illustrated him. 16, by applying the terminal loop 26 to the web loop The suspension as shown by Fig. 17, after which the suspension hook is brought up straight to its normal position, as shown in Fig; 18. Thus, the loops areautomatically locked in linlnng relation by,

manual movements. This method 'of assemb the suspension hooks with the yokes is extremely ineiipensive, and when it is borne in mind that the widely used garment hangers sell for about one-half cent a piece, this is a-very valuable feature. with this arrangement, the hooks can be very rapidly connected to the yokes, andilocked at the same time.

In Fig. 19, I show a modification of the suspension hook and yoke connection, wherein the who 2 is provided with a transverse loop 28 punched upwardly therefrom for linking relation with the terminal loop 26 of the suspension hook I.

In the past, the suspension hooks and yokes have been connected by wrapping the suspension hook shank around the yoke, and by machine operations and the like. the use of considerably less material than the prior structures, and further, the cost of labor is reduced in my method of assembly. I apply and lock the suspension hook to the yoke in one operation, without the use of a machine-whether this is done with perforations, as shown in Fig. 7, V or whether it is done with loops pressed out of the yoke, through which the suspension hook is linked, as shown in- Fig. 15. This feature results a in a very fast production with correspondingly low cost.

My invention requires 15 On the arms of the yoke, I slip tubular shields Ill, 10 preferably of paper. I The tubular strut 3 is arranged with its ends engaging the tongues 6. The strut is preferably a cylindricalpaper tube, 30 as shown in Figs. 1, 4, and 5. The ends of the strut are suitably beveled at-l2 and are securely held in place by the tongues 6, the strut acting to hold the shields II in place on the arms.

In assembling the yoke and strut, the tongue By forcing the tongues through the paper sleeves, the latter are simultaneously and automatically locked in position. Not only does the strut fill the capacity of a trouser support and a supporting element for the yoke, but it also serves as a locmng device in holding the paper sleeves to in place. This is a very essential feature, because it would be possible for the sleeves to come oil. were they not anchored or locked in position. In assembling the parts, the yoke is sprung outwardly or flattened, and reacts to engage the ends of the strut and hold the parts in assembled relation, the'length of the strut being such that this- .result is obtained. The paper sleeve is clamped between the end of the strut and the yoke, so that it is held firmly and cannot slide up and down; and this,coupled with the piercing of the sleeve by the tongue, provides a double locking action.

In Fig. 11,: show a modification of the tubular shield, the tube ll consisting of a strip. Preferably 5 of paper, folded on itself, the edges being connected at M by glue or other suitable means. A

In Fig. 12, I show a. modification of the connection between the end of the strut and the yoke arm, wherein the tongue 6 eitends within 7 the end of the tubular strut 3 as shown. In some respects, this provides a better connection than that shown in Fig. 5. The inwardly projecting tongues are preferably tapered or of V shape, the width of the ton ueat the base being such that it expands the tubular strut at its ends, so that the strut is flattened, as shown. In this way, it

' the yoke, the tongues are forced through the paper sleeves, the tongues entering the hollow ends of the paper tube or strut.

This locks the parts, and-provides a finished product'with all metal parts covered. Thus, the sleeves are held in place not only by the tongues, but also by being clamped between the yoke and the ends of the strut the tongue piercing the sleeve before it enters the strut.

In the modification of my invention illustrated by Figs. 9 and 10, 29 is an arched sheet metal yoke of downwardly facing curved cross section having a pair of spaced central openings l5, l and a pair of inwardly extending cut-out tongues 16,16 spaced from the outer ends of its downwardly divergent arms l1, l1. I8 is a wire suspension hook having a shank l9 provided with a terminal loop 20 at its lower end engaging the yoke in the openings 15.

Between the tongues I6, I arrange a sheet metal strut 2l of downwardly facing curved cross section, the ends of the strut being clamped between the inner face' of the yoke and the tongues. The width of the strut is preferably less than that of the yoke, to provide a secure connection between the parts. I If desired, the yoke and strut may be made of any suitable semi-rigid material. The strut can well be made of suitably shaped paper board or the like.

From the above description of my invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that I provide a clothes hanger of improved construction, and one which can be economically manu-- factured and readily assembled by even an inexperienced person. When once assembled, the resiliency of the yoke insures a secure connection betweenthe parts even in use and where relatively heavy garments are hung on the device. The garments are protected from creasing by the rounded shape of the parts, and further, the garments are protected from contact with any metal parts inmy preferred construction.

With the parts thus arranged, the hanger has a wide range of uses and adaptations. Sometimes it is not necessary to provide the hanger with a cross strut or bar or to cover the arms of the hanger, and in that case both the tubular shields l0 and the cross bar are omitted, the hanger being used in the condition shown in Fig. 2. For other uses itis not deemed necessary to cover the arms, and the tubular cross bar 3 is em- My arrangement holds the strut firmly,

the cleaner, dyer, or laundryman, so in practice very substantial economy results.

Where the loops are pressed upward from the channel yoke, and through which loops the terminal loops of the suspension hooks are linked and brought up straight and locked, 'as in Fig. 15, a simpler-assembly is provided than where two holes are provided in the web of the yoke, as in Fig. 7. In the modification, the locking of the suspension hooks is assured by the use of the garment hanger. it being necessary only-t0 enter the terminal loop with the web loop. In Fig. '7, the locking of the suspension hook' with the yoke requires a manual operation which is not supplied by the ordinary use to which the hanger is put. Thus, where the hangers are shipped unassembled, I prefer to use the construction illustrated by Figs. 15 to 18, inclusive, or the construction illustrated by Fig. 19.

I have illustratedand described my improvements in embodiments which I have found very practical. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments or adaptations, as it is believed this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my improvements as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A garment hanger comprising an arched sheet metal yoke of downwardly facing channel section having a pair of spaced central openings in its web and a pair of cut-out inwardly extending opposed tapered tongues in its web spaced from the outer ends of the downwardly divergent arms thereof, a wire suspension hook having a shank provided with a terminal loop at its lower end engaging said yoke in said openings, tubular paper shields on the arms of said yoke, and a tubular paper strut piercing sa d shields and engaging said tongues at its ends so that the latter are flattened.

2. A garment hanger comprising an arched yoke of downwardly facing channel section having a pair of spaced central openings in its web and a pair of cut-out inwardly extending opposed tongues in its web spaced from the outer ends of the downwardly divergent arms thereof, a suspension hook having a shank provided with a terminal loop at its lower end engaging said yoke in said openings, tubular shields on the arms of said yoke, and a tubular strut engaging said shields and tongues at its ends.

3. A garment hanger comprising an arched yoke of downwardly facing channel section having a pair of cut-out inwardly extending opposed tapered tongues in its web spaced from the outer ends'of the downwardly divergent arms thereof, a suspension hook having a shank provided with a terminal loop at its lower end engaging said yoke, tubular shields on the arms of said yoke, and a tubular strut engaging 'said shields and tongues at its ends.

4. A garment hanger comprising an arched yoke having a pair of spaced central openings, and a suspension hook having a shank provided with a terminal loop at its lower end engaging said yoke in said openings.

5. A garment hanger comprising an arched sheet metal yoke of downwardly facing. channel section having a pair of inwardly extending opposed tongues in its web spaced from the outer ends of the downwardly divergent arms thereof, paper shields on the arms of said yoke, and a strut 20 ing inturned tapered tongues spaced from the 1 ends of its downwardly divergent arms, shields said less than that of said yoke.

7. A garment hanger comprising an arched yoke of downwardly facing curved cross section having a central upstruck loop, and a suspension hook having a shank provided with a terminal loop at its lower end engaging said yoke loop.

8. A garment hanger comprising an arched yoke of downwardly facing channel section havsleeved on the arms, and a tubular strut having its ends beveled to fit the web or the yoke channel, the strut being engaged by said tongues in' clamped relation with said web, the sides of the strut also fitting between the flanges of said yoke channel, the tongues extending within the ends of the tubular strut and flattening the same.

9. A garment hanger comprising an arched yoke of downwardly facing channel section having inturned cut-out tongues spac ends of its downwardly divergent arms,-shields sleeved on the arms, and a tubular strut having its ends beveled to fit the web of the yokechannel, the strut e'xtending through the shields and being engaged by said tongues in clamped relation with said web and the shields, the sides of the strut also fitting between the flanges of said yoke channel.

10. A garment hanger comprising an arched yoke of downwardly facing channel section having inturned v-shaped tongues at the endsof its downwardly divergent arms, and a'tubular strut having its ends beveled to fit the web of the yoke channel, the strut being engaged by said tongues in clamped relation. with said web, the sides 01' from the the strut also fitting between the flanges of said yoke channel, the tongues extending within the ends of the tubular strut and'frictionally engaging the same to prevent the strut from turning on the tongues.

11. In a garment hanger, the combination of an arched yoke of downwardly facing channel section having opposed inturned V-shaped tongues in its arms, a suspension hook secured to the center of said yoke, paper sleeves on said arms, and a cylindrical 1 paper strut engaging said tongues at its ends, the tongues piercing said sleeves and projecting within the ends of said strut to flatten and prevent rotation of the strut, the sleeves beingclamped'betwee'n the arms and the ends of the strut .whereby they are locked in position and completely cover the arms, the length of said-strut being such that the yoke is sprung slightly thereby and reacts to engage firmly the ends of the strut and hold the parts in fixed relation as assembled.

12. In a garment hanger, the combination of an arched yoke opposed inturned V-shaped tongues in its arn'is, paper sleeves on'said arms, and a cylindrical strut eng ging said tongues at its ends, the tongues piercing said sleeves and projecting within the ends of said strut to flatten and prevent rotation of the strut, the sleeves being clamped between the arms and the ends of the strut whereby they are locked in position, the length of said strut being such that the yoke is sprung slightly thereby and reacts to engage firmly the'ends of the strut and hold the parts in fixed relation as assembled. I

13'. In a garment hanger, the combination of an arched yoke having opposed inturned tongues in its-arm's, paper sleeves on said arms, and a cylindrical strut engaging said tongues at its ends, the tongues piercing said sleeves and coacting with the yoke to flatten and prevent rotation of the strut, the sleeves being ciamped between the arms and the ends of the strut whereby they are locked in position, the length of said strut ,being such that the yoke is sprung slightly thereby and re- 

